[3] The town is divided by the Ébrié Lagoon into two-halves: Ancien Bassam is the former French settlement, facing the Gulf of Guinea.

The district is also home to a cathedral and the Ivory Coast National Museum of Costume, located in the former Governor's Palace.

[citation needed] Inhabited by the Nzema people since the 15th century, the city grew into a profitable fishing village and a trading center.

[citation needed] In 1843, after signing a treaty with the African ruler of the Grand-Bassam region, the French built Fort Memours on the banks of the river.

[citation needed] This fort became the primary French trading point in the region, and after the Berlin Conference in 1885, became a base for exploration of West Africa by the colonizers.